News Release

Dr. Jack Di Palma, director of the University of South Alabama Digestive Health Center and professor of internal medicine at the USA College of Medicine, recently received the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Weiss Award for Exemplary Service.

The Weiss Award for exemplary service is only presented to individuals who have rendered outstanding service to the American College of Gastroenterology. Through the commitment of his time, effort, and talents to the College, Dr. Di Palma has served in every important leadership role, including ACG presidency in 2005-2006.

“Service to this professional organization helped me grow as a physician and a person,” said Dr. Di Palma, “and I encourage more faculty to get involved.”

Dr. Di Palma earned his medical degree at New York Medical College in Valhalla, N.Y., and completed residency in internal medicine at U.S. Air Force Medical Center at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss. Dr. Di Palma received a fellowship as a teaching faculty of gastroenterology at Wilford Hall U.S. Air Force Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. He went on to establish the Division of Gastroenterology at USA, a program in which he continues to direct.

With scholarly interests spanning a vast range of digestive disorders and physiology, Dr. Di Palma has contributed to over 350 published articles, reviews, book chapters and abstracts. Continuing the tradition of service, Dr. Di Palma has copious experience as an editor and reviewer of others’ work to be published in medical journals.

In addition to his research contributions, Dr. Di Palma directs the gastroenterology fellowship training program, which is noted for providing educational leadership to medical students, residents, physician’s assistants and nurse practitioners. Among his many honors, Dr. Di Palma received recognition as “Best Clinical Teacher” by the USA College of Medicine’s Class of 1996, as well recognition as a “Best Doctor” in Mobile and Baldwin counties, Alabama, and America.